An Introduction to Early Childhood : A Multidisciplinary Approach

"This is a stimulating, well-structured book with excellent references to further relevant research. I am confident students will find this a meaningful key text in their study of early childhood, early years leadership and every aspect of early years education and practice."
―Denise Corfield, Early Years Program Leader (Foundation Degree), Edge Hill University

Covering the major themes of early childhood education and care, this new edition of a popular book has been updated to cover recent developments in the early years field.

Linking theory and practice, it covers Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), the National Professional Qualification for Integrated Centre Leadership (NPQICL) and the new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Where appropriate, account is taken of the regional differences between policy and practice in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

Chapters look at: children′s rights; protecting and safeguarding children; inclusive practice for children with special educational needs; collaborative practice across education, health and social work; child health; appropriate ways to study and gain knowledge of children; theories of modern childhood; children′s learning; and international perspectives.

The Second Edition contains five entirely new chapters on:

• Working with Families
• Children′s Well-Being
• Outdoor Play and Learning
• Understanding Diversity
• Workforce Development and Professionalism

With lots of helpful features such as chapter objectives, questions for reflection and discussion and recommended further reading, this new edition also includes:

• Extra case studies
• Suggestions for useful websites
• A glossary of key terms

Essential reading for students new to early childhood studies, this book will be a useful source of references and further reading throughout any early years degree program.

Tim Waller is Editor of this book, and Professor of Child and Family Studies at Anglia Ruskin University. The majority of the contributors are based at the University of Northampton, and this is very much a team book.